This auction is for 1kg bag of top quality natural Damar gum (finest art & food grade).

Damar (or Dammar) gum, is obtained from the Dipterocarpaceae family of trees in India and East Asia. It is usually produced by tapping trees; however, some is collected in fossilized form from the ground. The gum varies in colour from clear to pale yellow, while the fossilized form is grey-brown.

USES: Damar is used in foods, as a clouding or glazing agent, and in incense, varnish, paint making, encaustic paints and other products.

Damar is used as an ingredient in the popular Beeswax Food Wraps, mixed with beeswax and jojoba oil.

Damar varnish, made from damar gum mixed with turpentine, was introduced as a picture varnish in 1826 commonly used in oil painting, both during the painting process and after the painting is finished.

Dammar crystals are also dissolved in molten paraffin wax to make batik, to prevent the wax from cracking when it is drawn onto silk or rayon.

Varnish A good varnish can be made with a proportion of 600g Damar to 1 liter of turpentine (Damar is soluble in Gum Turpentine but not Mineral Turpentine). This can be thinned as needed to suit brushability requirements for individual jobs.

Encaustic Damar can be added to the Beeswax in various proportions as suits individual requirements from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 35%. The Damar resin is added directly to the wax and the two are melted together before the addition of the pigment.

Melting point: About 120 °C

Imported/Manufactured by: Shaman's Garden (Shaman Ltd.), Nelson.

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